DA offers $10,000 reward for information about death of retired teacher

BLOUNT COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey is asking for the public’s help in finding the person responsible for the death of 77-year-old Rhonette Lyles.

Lyles was found dead inside her burned home on Moman Road in the Horton Community on Feb. 8, 2014.

The state fire marshal ruled the fire an arson.

Lyles was a retired 2nd grade teacher. She taught at Cleveland Elementary School for 30 years.

“We don’t think it was a random person or a random act. Someone out there knows who did this and they know why they did i,” said Casey.

During a news conference Monday, Casey called the manner in which Lyles died, “very sad.”

“Ms. Lyles was a very beloved teacher in this community and really touched and affected a lot of lives and I really want to be able to bring the person who did this to swift justice, she adds.”

A $10,000 reward is being offered for any information leading an arrest.

Anyone with information about the death of Rhonette Lyles or the fire is asked to call Blount County Crime Stoppers at (205) 274-2764. Anyone who gives information will remain anonymous and will not have to testify in court.